How to Sew Curtains

Here are step by step directions  on how to sew your own curtains. For a no sew approach to making curtains check out this link. http://projectnursery.com/2011/07/diy-no-sew-curtains/

To sew the curtains shown above I used 2 yards of green fabric I found on the clearance shelf at Jo Ann Fabrics. I also used about 1 1/2 yards of left over fabric. As you can see in the picture the green fabric hangs below the pattern fabric. If you don't like this look you will use the same yardage for both fabrics. I chose to use two layers for the curtains to better reduce sunlight and for an extra layer to prevent a draft in the winter. Remember the amount of fabric you will use depends on how big your window is. If you will only be using one layer of fabric you will only need to complete steps 1-3.

Step 1 Measure your window to determine how much fabric you will need. One yard equals 3 feet of fabric. If you are unsure of how much fabric you need bring your measurements to the fabric store and they will help you decide how much to buy. Remember to buy a little extra, whatever your measurements are add about 1/4 to 1/2 yard extra.

Step 2 Cut your fabric into 2 equal pieces for each curtain. To do this I simply cut down the middle of each piece of fabric.

Step 3 Fold, pin and sew the fabric about 1/2 inch around the sides and bottom of the solid fabric. Fold, pin and sew the top of solid fabric to the desired size to fit the curtain rod.

Step 4 Next you will work with the pattern fabric. For my curtains I used some remnant fabric to add the green polka dots above the jungle animals. To do this I cut the fabric to the desired length. Next I laid the polka dot fabric face down on top of the jungle animals. Sew along the top of both fabrics.

Step 5 Fold, pin and sew fabric around the sides, bottom and top so that the pattern fabric will be the same size as the solid fabric.

Step 6 Place the pattern fabric over the solid fabric face up and sew along the seams of the sides and top. Now you are ready to hang your curtains.

To tie your curtains you can use a ribbon or you can use left over fabric. Cut to rectangle shapes of left over fabric about 2 or 3 inches by about 12 inches. Fold, pin and sew the smaller sides about 1/4 of an inch. Fold fabric in half with right sides together and sew along the edge. Turn the fabric inside out and use to tie your curtains.

Cost of Curtains: $4